Slots Providers Set For Revenue Boost

Plan for larger slots jackpots gets green light.

The government has approved requests from gambling firms to increase the size of slot machine jackpots at venues in the UK.

In response to the challenging economic conditions currently facing the industry, culture secretary Andy Burnham has agreed to allow larger payouts from slot machines and increase the maximum stake from 50p to £1.

Slots in public places will now be able to pay out a maximum of £70, up from the previous limit of £35.

According to the Times, a consultation document revealed that Mr Burnham authorised the changes because "many operators across the gambling industry are finding trading conditions very difficult in the present economic climate".

It is believed that the new legislation could boost gaming revenues by 20 per cent, while also providing the government with an estimated £27 million a year in VAT payments.

Prime minister Gordon Brown became unpopular with some members of the gaming industry after initiating a U-turn in plans for the country's first supercasino.

Manchester was chosen as the location for the major gaming venue in January 2007, but Mr Brown scrapped the project shortly after taking over as prime minister.